Lat updated 1/5/2026
Macular Degeneration patient Angela Carmela, 90, began experiencing problems with her vision in her mid-80s. Having lived on her own for many years, Angela became frustrated as she began having difficulty day-to-day fastening clothing with zips and making out the number dials, or settings, on electrical appliances. She had to stop driving, and getting about with blurred vision was starting to become an issue.
“At 90 I feel like I have my life back…I can walk to the local supermarket with my shopping trolley and shop for myself. I’ve even started back with my favourite hobby – gardening.”
Angela, Macular Degeneration patient at Practice Plus Group Ophthalmology, Rochdale
After visiting her optician to check out her eye concerns, Angela Carmela was given new glasses, but saw little improvement. As time went on, she eventually visited her GP, who made a formal diagnosis of Macular Degeneration – a vision impairment resulting from deterioration of the central part of the retina, a thin layer at the back of the eye on the inner side. Despite a course of treatment, when things didn’t significantly improve, she was told there was not much more that could be done to help her eye sight and she took the decision to move in with her daughter.
Angela says: “I registered with a new optician in Rochdale who referred me to Manchester eye hospital. After a few visits and various tests, the diagnosis of Macular Degeneration was confirmed again. I was offered more eye injections, but having found them to be ineffective before, I didn’t want to go through more rounds of the same treatment.
“Fortunately, my granddaughter had heard of a local eye clinic run by Practice Plus Group. My family requested a referral from my Optician to their service.
Seeking a second opinion with Practice Plus Group made all the difference to her vision – and her lifestyle.
“Fortunately, my granddaughter had heard of a local eye clinic run by Practice Plus Group…I’d advise anyone anyone to seek out a second opinion if they are having eye troubles. Practice Plus Group have been fantastic and I’d recommend them to anyone.”
Angela, Macular Degeneration patient at Practice Plus Group Ophthalmology, Rochdale
Angela says, “I was really struggling with my eyes every day. Simple things that I took for granted like zipping up my coat were becoming challenging. After seeing my optician and receiving new specs I grew increasingly concerned as my eyesight didn’t improve. I decided to go to my local GP, who eventually diagnosed me with Macular Degeneration and I was given a course of eye injections. Sadly they didn’t do the trick and my practitioner said there was little more they could do for me. It was only when I moved to Manchester to live with my daughter that my eyesight journey took a positive turn.
“From the very first visit to Practice Plus Group the staff were professional, caring and friendly. They put me at ease and explained everything fully. After a couple of visits, they offered wet AMD treatment – a course of three injections using a different medicine than I’d received before – and what a difference they made! Literally all the fluid had gone from my eyes and my sight seemed so much better. After years of not being able to manage zips and switches independently, I was now able to do these with ease!
“It is now one year since my last injection and things have not worsened at all – in fact they have stabilised. My improved eyesight and independence boosted my confidence so much that I decided to move into my own apartment and live independently once more. It’s wonderful. At 90 I feel like I have my life back. My daughter, Maria, visits regularly as she lives nearby so I have the best of both worlds – my family close at hand, but living independently.
“I can walk to the local supermarket with my shopping trolley and shop for myself, and I’ve even started back with my favourite hobby – gardening. I love to potter about in the garden especially now I have my own again.
“I’d advise anyone to seek out a second opinion if they are having eye troubles. Practice Plus Group have been fantastic and I’d recommend them to anyone – without their help, I don’t think I’d be where I am today.”
Macular Degeneration FAQs
What is age-related macular degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration, also known as AMD, is a painless eye condition that affects the central part of your vision. This can make everyday tasks such as reading, recognising faces, shopping, driving, or fastening clothing more difficult. Angela’s story shows how AMD can affect independence, but also how the right assessment and treatment can make a meaningful difference.
What are the symptoms of wet AMD?
Symptoms of wet AMD can include blurred or reduced central vision, dark spots or gaps in your sight, distorted words on a page, jumbled printed words, or straight lines appearing bent. If you notice sudden changes in your vision, it is important to seek advice from an optician, GP, or eye specialist as soon as possible.
How is wet AMD treated?
Wet AMD is often treated with injections into the eye, also known as intravitreal injections. These help stop abnormal blood vessels leaking fluid into the retina, which can affect vision. Local anaesthetic eye drops are used before treatment to help make the procedure more comfortable. Angela was offered a different medicine as part of her treatment at Practice Plus Group Ophthalmology, Rochdale, which helped stabilise her eyesight.
How long does an AMD appointment take?
A first AMD appointment usually takes no longer than 30 minutes, including preliminary examinations. Follow-up appointments are usually shorter and may take around 20 minutes. Patients are advised not to drive to their first appointment, as eye drops may be used to dilate the pupils.
Can I be referred to Practice Plus Group Ophthalmology, Rochdale for eye treatment?
Yes. To receive a clinical assessment or treatment, you will usually need to be referred by your optician, optometrist, or GP. Patients can also contact the Patient Service Assistants Team or submit an online enquiry. Practice Plus Group Ophthalmology, Rochdale provides wet AMD treatment via NHS routes.
James Wood, Content Specialist
This article was co-written by Content Specialist, James Wood. Our Content Specialist, James, has been writing articles and blogs for Practice Plus Group since 2022. He has more than a decade of experience as a copywriter within a range of different backgrounds and works closely with medical professionals to deliver information that's easy-to-read and patient-focused. When he's not writing medical pieces, James is busy playing sports or pub quizzing.
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